To consider the draft Budget, updated Medium Term Financial Plan, Capital Programme and HRA  pertaining to the Social Care Health and Housing Directorate only.  Information that is relevant to the other directorates will be considered in the other relevant OSC meetings.   Members are requested to submit their comments, observations and recommendations in respect of the Executive’s proposals with particular reference to the Social Care Health and Housing Directorate proposals, to the meeting of the Executive on 09 February 2016.

Members are requested to bring their copies of the Executive report with them to the meeting (hard copies will not be provided).  The report is available at the following website:-

http://centralbeds.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=577&MId=4921&Ver=4

The Assistant Director Resources introduced the Draft Budget 2016/17 and Medium Term Financial Plan for Social Care, Housing and Public Health that had been presented to Executive in January 2016. 

The Financial Settlement had been significantly worse than anticipated for the Council and exacerbated the substantial efficiencies contained in the draft budget and MTFP.  The proposed 2% precept proposed by Government would not make up for the shortfall in funding.

A member raised his concern regarding the introduction of the living wage and the effect on care providers.  In response the Assistant Director advised that an hourly rate template had been developed and used by providers to recognise the effect on all staff, and not just at the lower end of the pay scale. Officers continued to revisit and review care packages to find efficiencies and Members were aware of the continued community resilience support required within Social Care.

The Assistant Director Public Health advised that the Government had not divulged the grant settlement to be provided, but it was lower than in previous years.  The settlement would, however, continue to be ring fenced.

The Assistant Director Housing advised of continued changes and reductions in Housing Revenue Account (HRA) that had caused a more cautious approach to the business plan, as a result of which the supported housing scheme was at risk  Members of the Executive had lobbied their MP regarding this concern. 

RECOMMENDED

1.    That the pressures and efficienciesacross Public Health and within the Social Care, Health & Housing directorate and the proposed delivery of the latter to meet budget constraints be noted.

2.    That reserves be replenished from time to time to help meet deficits.

3.    That the general approach concerning the General Fund Revenue budget, Medium Term Financial Plan and the Capital Programme be agreed.

4.    That the Committee notes the inconsistencies in rents across the range of facilities, the challenges presented and that representations have been made to local Members of Parliament.  In light of these concerns the Committee otherwise agreed to the proposals set out regarding Housing Revenue Account budgets.